In a recent effort to bolster job opportunities for individuals involved in the justice system, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has launched a $15 million workforce program called Community Resources for Employment and Development (CRED). The initiative targets New Yorkers aged 18 to 40 who are at risk of involvement in community violence or who reside in neighborhoods with the highest rates of gun violence. Mayor Adams emphasized the transformative power of employment, stating to the Mayor's Office, "The best deterrent to crime and keeping communities safe is simple: a good-paying job."
With the supervision of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), CRED plans to offer comprehensive support through work readiness training, occupational training, and internships in sectors like industrial and infrastructure, service, and technology. According to information shared by the Mayor's Office, participants stand to benefit from up to 24 weeks or 600 hours of paid training and internships at $20 per hour. Unfortunately, this opportunity, however well-intentioned, might not to quickly impact the systemic barriers faced by the justice-involved individuals.
Mayor Adams has linked the success of his administration to rising employment figures and decreased unemployment across all demographics. The "Jobs Week" celebration highlights the city's commitment to fostering job opportunities in every borough, block, and neighborhood. The initiative is also associated with the broader "Jobs NYC" initiative, which has connected nearly 8,500 job-seekers to employment and training over six months.
CRED is set to serve 1,500 participants throughout Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026. Interested New Yorkers are prompted to visit DYCD's homepage starting mid-February for updates. Yet, despite this announcement, one must wonder if the provided training will be sufficient to truly prepare individuals for the contemporary job market's demands. The Mayor's Office heralds these programs as steps toward ensuring safety and economic empowerment for all New Yorkers.
Supporters of the initiative, such as State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, have praised CRED's holistic approach. Rajkumar views the program as an "upstream solution" vital for public safety and reducing recidivism. She told the Mayor's Office, "This $15 million program will uplift 500 at-risk New Yorkers, providing them job training with wraparound support for their health, wellbeing, education, and housing." Other advocates, including Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, see the program as a pivotal move for public safety and a step toward fairer community reintegration.
